Rare Photo Captures Montana Cattle Drive During Snowstorm

Montana is no stranger to unpredictable weather, but even longtime residents were surprised by a picture shared by the Montana Department of Transportation on Monday, June 29.

The photo shows a cattle drive happening during an early-summer snowstorm on a highway in western Montana. According to MDT, the photo was captured by a traffic cam at Big Hole Pass along Montana Highway 278 near the Montana-Idaho border.

Snowstorms during the summer aren't unheard of in Big Sky Country, but seeing an active cattle drive in the middle of one is something few people ever witness.

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For farmers and ranchers across the state, the weather doesn't stop the work. The job has to get done whether the sun is shining or the snow is falling. It's also a reminder that Montanans are tough and determined.

I've seen quite a few cattle drives in Montana, but I've never seen one happening with snow on the ground. I'm sure it's happened, but not often. It's another reason why people call Montana the "Last Best Place."

Many hardworking people across the state make a living by working the land. It's not an easy life, especially when you have to deal with crazy weather conditions. We tip our hats to the cowboys on horseback who brave the elements to get the job done.

Fortunately, the forecast is calling for warmer temperatures that will feel a little more like summer across the state beginning early next week. As they say in Montana, "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute."